Natalia Bryant, 9, and Gianna Bryant, 6, watch their father, Kobe Bryant, play for the Lakers on Christmas Day with mother Vanessa. / Alex Gallardo, AP

by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling, but Kobe Bryant has a reason to smile.

He and his wife, Vanessa, announced Friday they have reconciled and dropped divorce filings from December 2011. The couple used social media - first Vanessa on Instagram, then Kobe on Facebook - to let their fans know the news.

"We are pleased to announce that we have reconciled. Our divorce action will be dismissed. We are looking forward to our future together," Vanessa posted on the photo site, attributed to both.

"I am happy to say that Vanessa and I are moving on with our lives together as a family. When the show ends and the music stops, the journey is made beautiful by having that someone to share it with. Thank you all for your support and prayers! Much luv, Mamba out," Kobe said on his Facebook page, drawing thousands of likes.

The couple married in April 2001, back when Bryant only had one championship ring with the Lakers. Vanessa made headlines when she stuck by Kobe during his infamous 2003 sexual assault case in Colorado.

But in 2011, she cited irreconcilable differences in filing for divorce after a decade together. ESPN Los Angeles reported Vanessa would have received the couple's three California houses in the divorce.

Things seemed to be better in the family recently as Vanessa regularly has attended Lakers games this season, including on Christmas Day against the New York Knicks. Here's to daughters Natalia, 9, and Gianna, 6, who surely are thrilled their parents figured it all out.